News

The Cedar Foundation raises funds for Arbour House

Date Posted: Wednesday 28 July 2004

Fun and games were the order of the day when The Cedar Foundation held a charity barbecue in Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park last month. The event was in aid of fellow charity Arbour House, a voluntary respite project based in Warrenpoint, for adults with a learning disability.

Cedar Foundation staff from across Northern Ireland descended on the park, on a sunny Sunday afternoon, to enjoy the barbecue, bouncy castle, face painting, games, treasure trail and more. Most importantly the fun day raised nearly £600.00 for Arbour House.

Speaking on behalf of Arbour House, at the cheque handover today, Anne Loughlin said: "The guests, volunteers and management committee of Arbour House are thrilled to receive this cheque from The Cedar Foundation, which will make a real difference to the work of our project. As all our staff are voluntary, all money donated to us goes directly into providing respite to our guests and ensuring that they have a great holiday. Without the generosity and support of larger charities, like The Cedar Foundation, and our local community, we would be unable to continue".

But why should a charity raise funds for another charity. The idea came from The Cedar Foundation''s Societal Impact Team, a group set up to look at how the activities of The Cedar Foundation affect society, be that the environment or other groups around them. It was decided that one charity a year should be picked to benefit from The Cedar Foundation''s staff BBQ. Staff voted for which one they wanted and this year Arbour House came out on top.

Leo Swift, Appeals & Marketing Manager for The Cedar Foundation explains: " As a charity ourselves, we depend on the help and support of other companies for funding, so we thought it would be a good idea if The Cedar Foundation raised some money for another charity".

Many businesses sponsored the barbeque and fun day - Tesco, O''Kane Poultry, Moy Park, Stevensons & Co, McKees Butchers and Pie Manufacturers, Magills Butchers, O''Kane Meats, Townhill Meats, McAtamney''s Quality Butchers, Dairy Produce Packers, John Lundy Wholesale; Sean Doherty, Ballygowan Water, Coca Cola, Maine Soft Drinks, Irwins Bakery, Costcutters, Holmes Group, CCP Plant Hire and Calor Gas, even the bouncy castle and games were sponsored in kind!

Arbour House provides respite care to two adults at a time from 6pm Friday to 5pm Sunday through the volunteer work of 30 people. The House has around 20 guests in total and everyone gets at least one weekend per term. The aim is to provide a holiday for the guests while also providing a break for their parents, siblings and carers and also to provide a bridge between family life and long-term residential care if necessary.

The Cedar Foundation works in partnership with people with physical disability throughout Northern Ireland. We develop and deliver services that promote choice, opportunity, independence and equality. To find out more please log on to www.cedar-foundation.org Tel: 028 9066 6188 or e-mail: info@cedar-foundation.org.

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